Palace: PNoy has full confidence in DPWH chief

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III still trusts Public Works and Highways Sec. Rogelio Singson who will resign if the bunkhouses for typhoon victims are proven to be overpriced, a Palace official said Tuesday.

"Sa aking pagkakaalam po, buo po ang tiwala at kumpiyansa ng ating Pangulo kay Secretary Singson," Communications Sec. Sonny Coloma said at a televised press briefing.

Coloma said President Aquino is just waiting for the report of former rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson on the alleged overpricing in the construction of the bunkhouses.

The Palace official said the former senator received reports of the alleged overpricing last December.

"Hintayin na lang po nating lumabas ang mga datos o anumang mapapatunayang mga pangyayari hinggil sa bagay na 'yan," Coloma said.

In an interview over radio dzMM on Tuesday, Lacson said he has also sought  an investigation into the alleged collusion between favored contractors and a local politician that will supposedly give them kickbacks.

The former lawmaker and police chief said they will file a case against the local politician, whom he refused to identify, before the Ombudsman once enough evidence is gathered.

On Monday, Singson belied a newspaper report on the overpriced bunkhouses and the possible collusion and declared that he will resign if proven wrong. He said local politics may be behind the allegations.

Singson said he will visit Tacloban City today and inspect the bunkhouses, which will serve as temporary shelters for the survivors of Super Typhoon "Yolanda."

Related story: DPWH chief to resign if 'Yolanda' bunkhouses are overpriced